As promised, we are back with a list of venues for your children and you to explore on weekends. With the annual gatherings and Sports Days behind you and final exams peeking round the corner, we’re sure these weekend outings are the breath of fresh air your children and you would be looking out for!
Here are the top 5 places we suggest you explore:
- Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum: This museum houses the collection of a single man – Dr. Dinkar G. Kelkar. The three-storeyed building has sculptures, ornaments and various artefacts dating back to the 14th century. This is one walk down history lane that your children will definitely enjoy!
- Aga Khan Palace: Built in the year 1892, this is one of the biggest landmarks in Indian history. It is famous for having provided shelter to Mahatma Gandhi and his wife, Kasturba Gandhi. They were imprisoned here from the year 1942 to the year 1944.
- Katraj Snake Park: This snake park has a collection of a number of snakes and other reptiles like crocodiles, etc. It has introduced many innovative methods of communication about snakes through photographs displayed in a library within the park. The information has also been translated into braille for the blind visitors. A recently-added zoo has made this a particularly attractive tourist place for children and adults alike.
- National War Museum: This is a war memorial located in the Pune Cantonment area as a tribute to the post-independence war martyrs. This is the only war memorial in South Asia, erected by citizens’ contributions. A visit here will definitely help to sensitize children towards the sacrifices people have made for the sake of our country.
- Pune University: Recently named as the Savitribai Phule Pune University, this institution is a living example of why Pune is termed as the ‘Oxford of the East’. It was originally built in 1864 as the governor’s mansion, but today is one of India’s premier universities. A campus spreading over 1.66 sq.kms, the university houses 46 academic departments. The grandiose architecture and landscaping acts as a crowd-puller, especially on Sunday evenings.
Do mention your feedback about these places in the comments below. We would love to read about your children’s experiences upon visiting these places!
